Exercise 3-6: Mouth / Teeth
Open mouth and touch toothbrush to teeth on both sides.
Handler lifts dog’s lips gently and touches a toothbrush to the outside of the teeth with the bristles, first on one side, then on the other.
Exercise 3-6: Mouth / Teeth
Open mouth and touch toothbrush to teeth on both sides.
Handler lifts dog’s lips gently and touches a toothbrush to the outside of the teeth with the bristles, first on one side, then on the other.
Purpose: All dogs will be required to tolerate dental exams and dental care throughout their lives. Routine dental care includes inspecting a dog’s mouth and teeth as well as cleaning the teeth through brushing and the use of products designed to maintain oral health.
Equipment: Treats. Toothbrush (small child’s, canine, or finger brush).
Exercise set-up: The dog can be in any physical position and in any orientation to the trainer. Be sure that you can easily reach into your dog’s mouth. You may use a chin rest to your hand or another object to stabilize your dog’s head.
Remember, safety first! Don’t attempt this exercise if you have any concerns that your dog will snap or bite. Address that issue on its own with qualified behavioral support.
Scoring: In order to pass this exercise the dog must tolerate the trainer steadying his muzzle (if desired), placing the toothbrush into the mouth, and touching the bristles to the outside of the teeth on both sides of the mouth.
Non-qualifiers: The dog repeatedly tries to move his head away. The trainer needs to use restraint (beyond a chin rest) in order to complete. The trainer does not clearly touch the teeth with the brush bristles on both sides of the mouth.
Tips: A solid chin rest is a good foundation for this exercise. Once that is established, adding in the use of a toothbrush can be done slowly and carefully.
Video example: